Patient Stories
Jessica S.
Age: 36
Weight loss: 150 pounds
Occupation: Teacher’s aide
I struggled with weight my entire life. I remember always being the bigger girl when growing up. Then in 2018 after the birth of my third child, I experienced pretty severe postpartum depression and that’s when I reached my heaviest weight.
I was stress-eating to cope, and it seemed the heavier I got, the more depressed I became, and the more I ate. Finally I realized my life had to change if I wanted to be around for my three girls.
That’s when I made up my mind to seek medical weight loss help and met with Dr. Vinay Tumuluri who is one of the Northwest Medical Group physicians specializing in medical weight loss. With his support and guidance, I initially lost 40 pounds to prepare for my gastric bypass surgery. I underwent bariatric surgery in December 2021 and as of September 2022, I have lost 150 pounds.
Today, I feel so much better. I actually like walking and even climbing up the stairs – something I never thought I’d hear myself say. And since having the surgery, my girls are pretty proud of me too. They really enjoy that I can get out now to do more with them and be a bigger part of their lives.
Advice: My advice for someone considering weight loss surgery is to really do your research. There are many surgical options, so talk to your physician to fully understand everything and to learn which type of surgery will be best for you. That’s what I did, and thanks to Dr. Tumuluri, his staff, and my bariatric surgeon Dr. Martin, I’m now happier and healthier for my girls.